Hearing Loss Parenting on a Budget: 10 Ways to Stretch Your Resources

A Note Before You Shop

You may be wondering: Are all these toys and gear really necessary? 

Our answer: Nope! We're just sharing what's working for us. You may have different items that work just as well for you, without having to buy anything new.

At its core, hearing loss parenting isn't about buying lots of new things. It's about how we engage with our baby to have the maximum impact!

Each baby is unique. The professionals (and you) know best what will work for your family.

Before shopping, talk with your team to guide what you need to help your baby thrive!

Here are some tips for making it easier on your wallet.

1. Start With What You Already Have

Early intervention teachers are pros at working with what families already have!  Chances are, you might just have something that will get the job done. This is doubly true for parents with multiple kids.

If you want to modify a toy to make it more ideal, we have some ideas for that too!

2. Shop Secondhand

Second hand shops and online market places are an excellent resource. We found some of our favorite wooden toys on eBay and Poshmark.

3. Build a Gift Wish List

When holidays and birthdays roll around, we can find ourselves swimming in new things. What a great opportunity to acquire some useful toys, books, and gear! When someone asks for gift guidance, we try to point them towards helpful gifts for our daughter's hearing development.

Some family members prefer a list of specific items. Others want to pick out their own gift using some general guidelines. Both are so helpful for filling our toolbox.

4. Check Dollar and Discount Stores

Sometimes the discount stores have just the thing. This can result in serendipitous surprises and fresh ideas. It doesn't have to be expensive to be useful.

5. Use Your Library (Including Interlibrary Loan)

While books for deaf and hard of hearing children can be pretty niche, some of them have gone more mainstream (El Deafo, Rally Caps, etc.) and may be available at your local library. If it's not on the shelves, interlibrary loan can do the trick! Interlibrary loan means the library can get the book from any location in their network.

If not, librarians refresh their book collections periodically. Letting them know about your child's challenges, and providing them with the name and author of the book you're interested in, gives them the opportunity to add it to the collection.

6. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

In the US, insurance coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants varies significantly by state and plan. Some states mandate coverage for pediatric hearing aid; others do not. It's worth calling your insurance company directly and asking specifically: "Do you cover pediatric hearing aids? What about cochlear implants? What about earmolds and supplies?" Ask for the answer in writing. Your audiologist's billing office has often seen every insurance situation and can guide you on what to ask for.

7. Know What Early Intervention Covers

Where we live, we also get services through Early Intervention (EI), which is separate from insurance. Early Intervention differs from state to state. Talk with your audiologist about EI coverage, especially for gear. They've covered more than we expected.

8. Ask About Tax Deductions

Even if you have to shell out the cash, you might be able to make some back during tax season.

In the US, hearing aids, cochlear implants, earmolds, and related medical expenses are generally deductible as medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income—which, given hearing device costs, is more achievable than it sounds. You can also use HSA funds to pay for hearing devices and related expenses.

9. Financial Assistance Programs

Ask your audiologist if they know of any local or national financial assistance programs—many exist specifically for pediatric hearing loss and can significantly offset device costs.

10. DIY What You Can

Sometimes hobbies and hearing-related toys overlap! 

If you enjoy sewing, crafting, photography, wood working, music, and more, go for it. A relaxing project with materials on hand can result in an extra special auditory learning tool.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to take a little restorative time for yourself.

For some inspiration, check out our DIY projects here!